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degradation is the result of the action of micro-organisms and the material is
ultimately converted to water, carbon dioxide, methane and biomass.
Compostable plastics are degradable because of biological processes occurring
during composting. There are no toxic side effects like toxic residue for water, soil,
plants or living organisms. In composting process, the polymer becomes the source
of food and energy for micro-organisms and enzymes such as fungi bacteria and
are converted into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
A certain level of temperature, heat, water and oxygen is required by active micro-
organisms and fungi bacteria for efficient and effective biodegradation. A product is
compostable according to EN 13432 only when specific conditions (temperature,
humidity level, time) are met in the composting system. These conditions are
significantly different in home composting than in industrial/municipal facilities.
Some plastics may contain an additive which causes the plastic to degrade under
conditions of ultraviolet light and oxygen. These are known as 'photodegradable
plastics'. Others may contain an additive which initiates degradation under specific
conditions of temperature and humidity. In this case, the plastic is referred to as
'oxo-degradable plastic' but the degradation process is not initiated by microbial
action. This degradation process does not comply with the EN 13432 standard.
Please note that not all biodegradable materials are compostable.
EN 13432 is European standard testing scheme which defines the compostability of
plastics whici describes test methods to determine the biodegradation of polymers
in the time-frame of industrial composting systems and are also accepted in US and
Asia. It is published by the International Standards Organisation (ISO).
Recycle: Biodegradable plastics can be recycled but should not be mixed with
traditional plastics. Incompatibility among various different types of bioplastics may
require them to be sorted by type before being recycled.
The most common market for bioplastics today is packaging. Existing applications
include biodegradable plastic shopping bags, compostable waste collection bags
and food trays for food service packaging, catering items (crockery, cutlery, pots,
bowls, straws), Trays & containers for fruit, vegetables, bottles for soft drinks, dairy
products, mulch films, flowerpots. Non-disposable applications include mobile
phone casings, carpet fibres, car interiors, fuel line and plastic pipe applications.
Benefits: Environmental impact reduction. Production and use of bioplastics is
more sustainable activity when compared with plastics from petroleum, also
introduces less, net-new greenhouse emissions if it biodegrades.
They significantly reduce hazardous waste caused by oil-derived plastics, which
remain solid for hundreds of years, and open a new era in packing technology and
industry.
Bioplastics perform differently than conventional plastics. They do not have the
same performance characteristics but are fit-for-purpose in a range of specific
applications. A little push and education is required as it should not fail by unjustly
demanding the impossible from them. Bioplastics will gradually find their place in
the complex world of the plastics industry.

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